Own less. Live more. Finding minimalism in a world of consumerism.

Easier to Find Things

I used to judge track and field at a local high school in Vermont. One particular morning before beginning our minimalist journey, I woke up to a steady rain on the day of the state’s largest competition. And because track and field doesn’t stop for rain, I knew it would be a good idea to bring an umbrella. That was until I started rummaging through the mess in our basement closet trying to find it.

If you’ve ever felt the panic that arises when you can’t find something you desperately need and the time is slowly ticking away, you can relate to how I felt. Our closet was a big hodgepodge of winter clothes (snow boots, gloves, scarves, snow pants), spring clothes (rain boots, raincoats), outdoor toys, and board games all piled up in one small closet. At the end of the search, all I could find was a blue umbrella with the big logo of a woman on it. I ended up judging the largest track and field meet of the year with a girl’s umbrella. Thankfully, this will never happen again.

Own less clutter. Find things easier.

About Joshua Becker

Writer. Inspiring others to live more by owning less.WSJ Bestselling author of The More of Less.

Comments

I guess I began being a minimalist before I consciously realized that is who/what I am.

I have one umbrella. I got it before I began college in 1992. It currently resides in the basket on my son’s stroller. I walk to work and my son’s child care center is on campus. I never know when we will be surprised with rain, so I always have my umbrella. The one I have now had for over 18 years.

It is amazing how easy it is to find exactly what you need when you only have one of that item.

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I absolutely agree I am becoming a minimalist too. The less things I have to have the more likely I’ll notice when I’ve misplaced something I really need and the better my chances of finding it again and quickly too.

For me, it’s a must to have an umbrella on my everyday bag because the weather can be a bit unpredictable. With less clutter in my bag, I can easily grab my umbrella without rummaging deeper. I guess it also help if we only have essential stuff packed in our bags.